Kristjaan Speakman: 'The task is to evolve and continuously improve all our sporting functions'
F.C. Copenhagen’s new Director of Football Kristjaan Speakman faces one of the most interesting challenges of his career as he is taking charge of sporting affairs with the Lions.
“I am proud to take up the position of Director of Football at such a fantastic club as F.C. Copenhagen. There is a very special history and a unique fanbase here, it requires the very best from everyone at the club,” says Speakman.
“The task is to continuously develop and improve all our sporting functions and, in doing so, bring trophies back to Copenhagen. Our ambition remains unchanged, but we must continue to modernise our approach and build for sustainable success. These are expectations that motivate me.”
Speakman will officially begin his role on 1 July and the 47-year-old will take overall responsibility for all sporting operations at F.C. Copenhagen – from the first team and academy to the women’s team and FC Rosengård 1917.
“There’s clearly a lot to do, both in the short and long term. Our immediate priority is centred on supporting Bo Svensson and the sporting team, building a first-team squad capable of qualifying for the UEFA Conference League and achieving the league title,” he adds.
“That work is already well underway. In the long term, I will lead to define the strategic roadmap that will strengthen our sporting position across all of our teams and functions.”
Transformation ahead
F.C. Copenhagen’s new Director of Football holds a degree in Business Management, the FA Technical Directors License and the UEFA Pro Licence, taking his first role in professional football in 2000 as an academy coach at Derby County FC.
He subsequently moved to Birmingham City FC in 2006 later becoming their Academy Manager in 2010. In 2017 he was promoted to Academy Director. During these 14 years he built one of England’s most respected talent academies, before moving to Sunderland AFC in 2020.
Under Speakman’s leadership, Sunderland rose from League One to the Premier League in a little over four seasons through an aligned and data-integrated structure which has since gained widespread recognition across football.
“We have a transformation ahead of us at F.C. Copenhagen, and I’m confident that my previous experiences and knowledge will be invaluable in this journey,” says Speakman.
“Everything must align – our identity and the strategy through to our processes and our ambition. This is how we get back to the top.”
F.C. Copenhagen’s new British Director of Football is known for his holistic approach that includes a sharp focus on work off the pitch to create high-performance environments.
“Creating the best possible environment for our staff and players is one of our most important responsibilities. We must combine a strong professional culture with modern methods and an even more data-driven approach to our work,” he adds.
“Data should strengthen our decision making and enable us to monitor development more closely and identify opportunities before they emerge. That is the foundation for F.C. Copenhagen to be a leader both on and off the pitch.”.
The new Director of Football steps into his role on 1 July and will relocate to Copenhagen, while his wife and two children are expected to join him later in the summer.